The Basics (continued):
The optional dock is shown in the images below. The white plastic base features a socket that holds the Free Agent Go in an upright position while seated on a USB connector. The cable connected to the dock is about four feet long, and it features two USB connectors to be plugged into the host computer. The dock is reminiscent of an Apple product, and I could see it being confused for an iPod accessory.
 
At the most basic level, the dock is nothing more than a USB extension cable. You have a USB connector on one end that plugs into the drive, and a pair of USB connectors on the other end that plug into the computer. The only thing different about this USB cable is that it holds your drive upright while in use.
In addition to the dock, you also receive the items pictured below; a travel case and a quick start guide for the dock. The leather-like travel case is pretty nice, with one open end that lets you slide the drive in for a snug fit. The USB connection remains exposed while in the case, so you can still use the drive with a normal USB cable, but it will not fit on the dock.
Installation and Operation:
The below left image shows the drive installed in the travel case, while the below right image shows the drive installed on the dock. The travel case fits the drive well, and would provide excellent protection from the bumps and drops that a drive might be subjected to in normal use. I was initially concerned about heat build up if the drive was used while in the travel case, but it doesn't seem to be an issue at all. Outside of the case the drive barely warmed up at all, and even after an hour of testing inside the case, I would describe the drive's skin temperature as warm. I have no objective analysis of the temperature, but it stayed in what I would consider a safe range.
 
The above right image shows the drive seated on the dock. All you do is slide the USB port on the drive down on to the USB connector found on the dock and you are good to go. There is nothing securing the drive to the dock other than resistance between the mating surfaces, but that should be more than adequate. The drive looks cool while seated on the dock, and while it may make things more convenient on some desktops, there is really nothing special about what the dock does.
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